The “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” is one of those TV shows you can’t forget — even if you’ve never seen it. That was the case with Sean Astin, the veteran actor (“Lord of the Rings”) who’s voicing “tough” turtle Raphael in Nickelodeon’s new CGI version of “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” premiering this morning at 11.

Astin, 41, was a teenager when the first version of “Turtles” premiered in 1987, so he wasn’t familiar with the intricacies of crime-fighting, pizza-loving humanoid turtles Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello and Michelangelo.

“Everyone’s familiar with this show, for Pete’s sake. It’s a massive thing, especially on Halloween if you have kid brothers,” says Astin, who went back and watched a bit of the original series (1987-96) after snaring the role. …

“The thing with voice-overs is, if you don’t do a little something you can sound a little flat,” he says. “If you watch actors in the [voice-over] booth, they’re gesticulating wildly and waving their hands around — you look silly, but that’s how you get your voice to do what’s expected.

The heroes in a half shell are coming back to TV tomorrow, and managing to be both refreshingly new and respectful of the past at the same time. … The folks at Nickelodeon have put together a terrific voice cast and excellent animation, and produced just a really good show that easily stands with the best TMNT of the past. …

I had the great pleasure of speaking with The Lord of the Rings star Sean Astin, who voices Raphael in the new series, and with Ciro Nieli, the series’ executive producer. Here’s an excerpt from my interview with Astin:

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are back! But can their turtle power win over a new generation without alienating older fans? Nickelodeon's animated revamp of the popular franchise premieres Saturday morning (11/10c) and will have to live up to the previous iterations that include a handful of cartoon series and movies all based on the original comic books about four anthropomorphic turtle brothers whose love of fighting crime is only rivaled by their craving for pizza.

"First I would say: Chillax, people!" says actor Sean Astin, addressing fans' concerns in an interview with TVGuide.com. "What sets this Turtles apart is that it's made by fans for fans. The people making this show loved this growing up, and they loved the comic books before the loved the TV shows. They have this depth of appreciation for it that goes beyond people being hired to do a job. If people love something and put themselves into it, it's going to be good."

It’s almost hard to believe that the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise has been around as long as it has. In 1984, when the Turtles had their birth in what was intended to be a one-off comic book satirizing popular comic-book tropes of the day, Sean Astin was 13 years old. Now, decades later, Astin has found himself taking on the role of one of the Turtles himself, in Nickelodeon’s reboot of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, premiering tomorrow, Sept. 29 at 11am ET/PT. I spoke with Astin about the new 26-episode series, its place in the Turtles canon, his mom and yes, a little about The Hobbit movie that reunites a number of his former castmates.

When Nickelodeon premieres their revamped version of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles this Saturday, it will be Lord of the Rings and Rudy star Sean Astin in the role of the tough-talking bruiser Raphael. Astin joins Jason Biggs as Leonardo, Rob Paulsen as Donatello, and Greg Cripes as Michelangelo, as the Turtles reemerge from the sewers to take on the weird threats on the surface of New York City.

Friday, September 28, 2012

When Nickelodeon premieres their revamped version of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles this Saturday, it will be Lord of the Rings and Rudy star Sean Astin in the role of the tough-talking bruiser Raphael. Astin joins Jason Biggs as Leonardo, Rob Paulsen as Donatello, and Greg Cripes as Michelangelo, as the Turtles reemerge from the sewers to take on the weird threats on the surface of New York City.

When I spoke with Astin recently about taking on the role of Raphael, he'd just gotten out of the voice over booth where he and the other actors were wrapping up some additional fight sounds for their characters. We talked about joining to the franchise, and becoming a Ninja Turtles super fan as an adult.

Although Nickelodeon is heavily advertising the premiere of the new animated "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" in its regular time slot of Saturday at 11am ET on September 29, channel guides for both tvguide.com and directv.com list the first airing at 8pm ET on Friday September 28!

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Sean Astin may be voicing the aggressive Raphael on the “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” reboot, but he has more in common with level-headed Leonardo.

“I would like to think I’m more like Leonardo — self-appointed leader type who likes planning and executing things on a timetable,” says Astin.

“But I love playing the tough guy, the brawler, the muscle,” adds the 41-year-old actor. “It’s so fun. And if I had to choose any of the four characters that I want to play, I would choose Raphael.

The reboot, premiering Saturday at 11 a.m. on Nickelodeon, is the fourth TV series centered on the comic book characters of Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello and Raphael.

Astin, known for films like “The Goonies,” “Rudy” and “The Lord of the Rings,” was too old to fully appreciate the first “Turtles” animated series, which aired between 1987 and 1996.

“But I had a little brother-in-law who had the sleeping bag, the lunch box, the costumes, the toys,” Astin says. “I always liked the idea of anthropomorphic fighting turtles.

“That was cool, and I kind of defended to some the naming of them after Renaissance painters, because I thought what a cool way to introduce those names. So when the kids are older and they’re in school and start learning about their namesakes, they’ll have some familiarity or comfort just from the names.

The other three turtles are voiced by Jason Biggs (Leonardo), Rob Paulsen (Donatello) and Greg Cipes (Michelangelo).

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

He may be only 5 foot nothin', 100 and nothin', but "Rudy" has been chosen as one of three finalist in the naming contest for the baby giraffe at the Louisville Zoo! You may recall that Sean met the then 5-day old giraffe when while in Louisville for Fandom Fest this summer.

Now three months old, the youngster is 7'2". Louisville Zoo visitors can vote for "Rudy" or one of the other finalists "Silvester" and "Cassius" by dropping money in the kiosk near the Zoo's entrance. Voting ends October 14.

Monday, September 24, 2012

Sean was in La Porte, Indiana on Sunday campaigning for Brendan Mullen.

Photo by Matt Fritz, Herald Argus

To help stop the bickering and fighting in congress, people need to elect someone who is willing to work on both sides of the isle, said movie actor, director and producer Sean Astin to a group of La Porte residents yesterday.

The star of "Rudy," "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy and "The Goonies" was traveling through La Porte County on Sunday to help build support for Army veteran Brendan Mullen (D-South Bend) and his bid for Indiana's 2nd District seat in the U.S. Congress.

"The only way (Congress) is going to change is if you send really smart, thoughtful, caring people who want to serve their country," he said. "It's the only way. So what I think people in this district have is a clear choice.

During a stop at the Democrat headquarters, he spoke to volunteers and visitors about why he was supporting Mullen, a man he first met while shooting the film "Rudy" in South Bend some 20 years ago, and more recently reconnected with during Mullen's political bid."

…

Astin said he was here for two reasons, his wife's from Rolling Prairie and he's a Democrat. But he also believes Mullen has what it takes to get things done.

"I pay attention to politics," he said, "not all over the country, but right around where I live. And I pay attention here because that's where my wife is from and I spend so much time here."

He said politics and community service have been a part of his life since he was a child, starting with his mother, Patty Duke, who has been an advocate for mental health and a spokesperson for Social Security.

"Whether it was as simple as being in parades or being in commercials for the Coast Guard, or a Jerry Lewis telethon," he said, "I was raised before I could speak, being around activism. So I just love it. The older I get, enjoying the benefits of a great education, I care."

Astin also mentioned seeing the Notre Dame football game on Saturday, which was the first time in decades he was able to visit the stadium he played in during "Rudy."

"It was great," he said. "It was a special experience being able to go back to the stadium after 20 years and to see changes in there. It was bigger ... the helmets have changed. It was very special and I'm thrilled on the day I came back they beat Michigan."

Sunday, September 23, 2012

Sean spent the weekend in South Bend, IN, visiting old haunts from the "Rudy" days and campaigning for his friend Brendan Mullen, who is running for US Congress. Here are many photos from Friday and Saturday:

Photo by South Bend Tribune

On Friday, Sean visited Holy Cross College, the school Rudy Ruettiger attended before being accepted into Notre Dame.

This post will be updated throughout the weekend as more interviews appear. (Updated 9/23 7am)

Sean is in South Bend assisting Brendan Mullen in his campaign for US Congress. Politics, "Rudy" and Notre Dame football are the main topics in these interviews.

Photo by James Brosher, South Bend Tribune

• "Rudy" Actor Sean Astin in town to raise funds for Mullen:

Actor Sean Astin walked into Corby’s Irish Pub on Friday for the first time in nearly 20 years.

He hadn’t been back to the bar on East LaSalle Avenue since he was filming scenes there for “Rudy” — the 1993 movie in which he played Notre Dame football walk-on Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger. Astin will always have a connection to South Bend in many people’s minds because of that role.

While in NYC, Sean also filmed a segment for Spike TV which will air next Thursday, September 27, midnight ET, 11pm CT and for The Chew which will air in October. We'll remind you when those are set to air, and let you know when they are posted online!

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Sean has been in New York City the last couple of days, making the round of various radio and TV shows promoting the upcoming Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Here are many pics from his adventures in the Big Apple!

"This year, in partnership with Funny Or Die, the Pepsi MAX NFL Rookie of the Week program was launched with a video featuring actor Sean Astin using his experience from "Rudy" to teach NFL rookies about football. Astin's assortment of constructive criticism, insightful tips and helpful advice is featured on Funny or Die, and includes sit downs with Robert Griffin III, Dwayne Allen, Russell Wilson, Brian Quick and DeVier Posey."

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Sean was on the Covino and Rich Show on Sirius XM Radio today. From their recap:

You know him from Rudy, the Gooneys, Lord of the Rings, and more, Sean Astin joined us on the show to promote his new role as Raphael in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles! Hit him up at @SeanAstin and watch the Nickelodon premiere on September 29th. Sean also has a new political radio show on Toad Hop Network. He tells an anecdote on meeting President Bush and what a honor is was as a citizen to meet the President–even though it was Bush. Covino asked why Sean doesn’t run for office, and Sean tells humbling story of losing class Presidency in high school (womp womp womp, I would’ve voted for you, Sean). Now as Raphael in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, he’s “cool but rude” according to the theme song. Raphael is satirically drawn in tradition of the Thing or Hulk, and Sean has developed the role into something fresh, so be sure to watch. Covino’s mom called in at the end to comment on Sean’s mom’s performance (Patty Duke) in the Miracle Worker. What a talented family! Thanks for coming on the show Sean!

Sean Astin was on VH1 Big Morning Buzz Live today. He talked about the upcoming Nickelodeon animated series "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles," his Funny or Die video and his promise to do an "exotic dance" when he reaches 50,000 Twitter followers for his @SeanAstin account!

Comics Alliance interviewed Rob Paulsen, Raphael in the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles about his new role as Donatello, and Sean Astin taking over as Raphael in the new Nickelodeon animated series premiering September 29.

CA: Sean Astin has taken over as Raphael, bringing a new flavor to a role you helped define. While a number of other actors have played Raph over the years, have you felt like you've had to more metaphorically pass the torch this time around?RP: Yes. I'm sure that's because we work together so closely. He is such a gem. He's doing a terrific job too as are the rest of the cast. Sean brings an edge to Raph that I really dig. He, Greg and Jason have been so deferential with respect to my having been there at the beginning and couldn't be more supportive. I believe the audience will feel the connection between us. It's palpable in the studio. Lovely.CA: You've worked with scores of actors over the years on different projects. What's stood out to you about the dynamic of this particular cast voicing a group of brothers?RP: We all "got" each other immediately. I think Ciro Nieli, Sarah Noonan and the decision makers at Viacom did a great job of matching the actors over and above the relative sounds of our voices together. We really do love working as a team and the recent press opportunities have allowed us to "perform" together outside of the studio. It's pure joy. Sharp kids, those three. :-)

Monday, September 17, 2012

In a tvovermind.com interview, Warren Christie (Cameron Hicks) from SyFy's popular series "Alphas" talked about working with guest star Sean Astin, who will be in two episodes airing October 8 and 15.

On the subject of guest stars, Christie took questions about upcoming guest Sean Astin … "Sean Astin and I have a bunch of stuff that comes up this season. Our paths cross quite a bit, and, he's just a very, very cool guy. He's very funny, incredibly sweet and very fun to be around and work with. He likes coming to work and brings that energy with him. We were in a couple of remote locations and the last thing you want is to be stuck out there with some boring guy. But he was great and we had a lot of fun.

Sunday, September 16, 2012

Sean Astin threw out the first pitch at the LA Dodgers v St Louis Cardinals baseball game last night as part of a promotion for the upcoming Nickelodeon animated series "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles." According to a tweet by Sean, the pitch was clocked at 68 mph with an altitude of 14 feet! Temporary umpire brother Mackenzie Astin called the pitch "a high strike." ;-)

Here is video of one of the interviews posted last week. Sean was interviewed by Monti Carlo on My 103.9 FM Phoenix. He talks about his 20-year marriage to Christine Astin, missing time with his children and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

The Hollywood Reporter reports that the prequel to the horror film cult classic Cabin Fever, "Cabin Fever: Patient Zero" is set to begin filming in mid-October in the Dominican Republic. Ben Hollingsworth has been replaced by Mitch Ryan, and Lydia Hearst (daughter of Patty Hearst) joins the cast as "a wide-eyed research grad student who is aligned with the film’s antagonist (Sean Astin)." The film also stars Brando Eaton, Jillian Murray and Ryan Donowho.

"The story kicks off when a bachelor party cruise in the Caribbean unexpectedly runs ashore on a medical-research island and a deadly virus is unleashed. The passengers must struggle to find a way to survive before their own demons and the flesh-eating bacteria consumes them all."

Sean Astin will be appearing in South Bend, IN, in support of Brendan Mullen, US Congressional candidate for Indiana's 2nd district.
On Friday, September 21, Sean will be at Corby's Irish Pub (featured in the movie "Rudy") from 5:30 - 7:30 pm. The cover charge is $30.

On Saturday, September 22, he will be the guest at a tailgating party before the Notre Dame vs. Michigan football game from 3 - 7 pm. Cover charge is $100.

Saturday, September 8, 2012

This is Twoflower, a 12-week old female black-footed ferret born at the Louisville Zoo.

Twoflower was named in honor of Sean Astin, who visited the Zoo in July. Sean played the naive tourist Twoflower in the 2008 UK miniseries "The Colour of Magic," based on the Terry Pratchett Discworld novels. He has said in interviews that Twoflower is one of his favorite characters.

Twoflower and her unnamed sister as newborns

Twoflower and an unnamed sister, shown here as newborns, were born on June 15. Their mom is Maize, a 5-year old ferret who has proven to be one of the Zoo's most successful breeders, producing a total of 28 kits since 2008. Twoflower's father is Seabiscuit.

Twoflower will remain at the Zoo where she will be bred next spring. Her sister will shortly be sent to a black-footed ferret "boot camp" where she will learn to hunt prairie dogs before being released at one of 19 reintroduction sites in the Great Plains.

Black-footed ferrets (cousins to the domestic ferret many people keep as pets) are among the most endangered mammals in the world, and were once thought extinct. A small population was discovered in Wyoming in 1981, and when the numbers continued to decline, the remaining 18 animals were captured and a captive-breeding program begun. The program has been successful to date, with approximately 1,000 ferrets now living in the wild.

He was interviewed by the Hot Morning Crew on 93.7 FM Hartford CT. Listen below as he talks about how he learned his Samwise accent ("that's a nice shiny apple"), The Hobbit and his role as Raphael in the upcoming animated Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, premiering on Nickelodeon on September 29, 11am ET. You can also read an article about the interview here.

Also, Sean was interviewed by Monti Carlo on My 103.9 FM Phoenix. Listen as he talks about his 20-year marriage to Christine Astin, missing time with his children, and more Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

About This Blog

"I name before you all Frodo of the Shire and Samwise his servant. And the bards and the minstrels should give them new names: Bronwe athan Harthad and Harthad Uluithiad, Endurance beyond Hope and Hope Unquenchable." —Gandalf in JRR Tolkien's "The History of Middle Earth" Volume 9: Sauron Defeated